Ukraine on Friday (October 3, 2026) denied that it was facing maintenance and supply problems with its F-16 fighter jets, insisting that it can keep them in the air throughout winter.
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The WSJ said there was a “support failure” because of the time it takes to inspect engines, hydraulics, fuel lines and other systems after 300 hours of flying. Foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy acknowledged that Ukraine’s F-16s operate “intensively and under demanding conditions” and maintenance was “challenging”. Tykhy said overhauled aircraft from allies were now being delivered faster than before. “We have full confidence in our industry partners and their ability to further optimise sustainment processes, ensuring the highest possible levels of F-16 readiness and availability during the coming winter months, when these capabilities will be needed most,” he said.
“All appropriate measures are being proactively implemented, in collaboration with its government and industry partners, to maximise aircraft availability and return the aircraft to service,” it said in a statement on Thursday. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is pushing for advanced US-made Patriot interceptors to combat Russian drones and missiles, said on Tuesday that Belgium would supply three more F-16s by the year-end.
